“How do I get certified?”
But the subject you choose matters just as much — sometimes more.
Because certification isn’t only about qualifying. It’s also about getting hired, feeling confident in the classroom, and choosing a path that fits your background instead of fighting it.
This article breaks down which teaching areas tend to be in demand in Texas, why some subjects are easier to enter than others, and how to choose a certification area without guessing.
If you want the complete start-to-finish process, see How to Get Your Teaching Certificate in Texas .
People hear “high demand” and assume it’s automatically the smartest choice.
Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s a fast way to get burned out.
The best subject area is usually where three things overlap:
Demand matters, but so does personal fit. The goal isn’t just to get hired. It’s to get hired into a role you can sustain.
Elementary teaching is one of the most consistently in-demand areas across Texas, largely because elementary schools exist in every district and turnover is steady.
It’s also a broad role. You’re teaching multiple core subjects, managing a classroom all day, and building routines with younger students. Some people love that. Others realize quickly it’s not what they pictured.
If you’re choosing elementary because you want stable job opportunities, it’s a reasonable strategy — just make sure you’re choosing the job, not just the availability.
For demand context, see Outlook for Elementary Teaching Jobs in Texas .
Special education is widely known as a high-need area in many districts.
It can be deeply meaningful work — and it can also be emotionally demanding. Success often depends less on subject mastery and more on patience, consistency, collaboration, and communication.
If you’re drawn to special education because you want to make a direct impact and you’re comfortable with structure, documentation, and teamwork, it can be a strong path.
If you’re choosing it purely because you’ve heard it’s “in demand,” that’s worth reconsidering. High need isn’t the same thing as easy.
Math and science roles are often in demand, especially at middle and high school levels. Districts frequently look for candidates who can teach the subject confidently and consistently.
The biggest mistake people make here is assuming they can “power through” content they don’t actually like.
If your background includes engineering, healthcare, lab work, finance, or any field that uses math or science daily, you may be better positioned than you think — and the classroom can feel like a natural extension of what you already know.
If those subjects were always a struggle, choosing them because they’re “practical” can create unnecessary stress.
English and social studies are common certification interests, especially for candidates who enjoyed those subjects in school or who have degrees in related fields.
In many districts, these roles can be more competitive than high-need areas — not because they’re less important, but because there may be more applicants.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue them. It just means you should approach them with clear expectations: hiring may depend more on timing, location, and experience.
If your primary goal is speed into a classroom, these areas may require more patience. If your goal is long-term fit and you love the content, they can still be the right choice.
CTE is often overlooked — and for the right person, it can be one of the most practical pathways into teaching.
If you have strong wage-earning experience in an approved field, Texas may allow you to teach in that career area through CTE certification routes. That’s especially relevant for candidates who don’t have a four-year degree but have years of hands-on work experience.
CTE can also be a strong fit for people who want to teach something tangible — skills students can use immediately in the workforce.
If you want to see how teaching without a bachelor’s degree can work through CTE, start here: No Degree – ECAP .
If you’re stuck between “what I like” and “what’s hiring,” try this:
Most regret comes from choosing a subject area based on an assumption — not based on a realistic view of the job.
Different certification areas come with different exam expectations. That affects how much study time you’ll need and how confident you’ll feel heading into testing.
If you pick a subject you genuinely know, exam prep often feels manageable.
If you pick a subject you’re trying to “learn from scratch,” the timeline and stress level can change quickly.
To understand the exam categories tied to different certifications, see List of Texas Teacher Certification Tests: What You Must Take to Teach .
Subject choice doesn’t just affect what you teach. It can affect how long certification takes and how much it costs — especially if exam prep becomes more intensive or retakes become necessary.
This is one reason “pick something in demand” isn’t always enough guidance. The right choice is the one you can complete confidently.
If you’re cost-planning alongside your subject decision, see Texas Teacher Certification Fees .
The “best” subject to teach in Texas isn’t universal. It depends on your background, your temperament, and what kind of classroom you want to walk into every day.
But here’s the truth most people need to hear: choosing a subject area you can actually sustain is usually smarter than choosing the one that sounds easiest to get into.
If you choose well, certification becomes a path. If you choose poorly, it becomes friction.
And when you’re ready to connect your subject decision to the full certification journey, start here: How to Get Your Teaching Certificate in Texas .